Commemorative Medal Issued to Theodore D. Haubner, 1939

Contact Us About This
THF189823 / Commemorative Medal Issued to Theodore D. Haubner, 1939
01

Artifact Overview

In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal--SOS. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled. The Veteran Wireless Operators Association honored Haubner by awarding him this commemorative medal on the 30th anniversary of his achievement.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Medal

Date Made

February 1939

Creators

Place of Creation

Creator Notes

Made in the United States, presented by Veteran Wireless Operators Association.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

68.2.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Dorothy S. Haubner.

Material

Imitation leather
Ribbon (Material)
Satin
Sterling silver
Velvet (Fabric weave)

Color

Blue
Red
White (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 1.5 in (Ribbon)
Width: 1.125 in (Ribbon)
Length: 5.25 in
Width: 3.25 in

Inscriptions

Lid of case: T.D. Haubner Reverse of medal: VETERAN WIRELESS OPERATORS ASSOCIATION / COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL / AWARDED TO / T.D. HAUBNER / IN COMMEMORATION / THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY / HIS SENDING / FIRST S.O.S. / 1909 FEBRUARY 1939
Keywords
02

Related Artifacts

  • {x.objectKey}-image
    Artifact

    Telegraph Key Used by Theodore Haubner to Send One of the First "SOS" Distress Signal on August 11, 1909

    In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS -- using this telegraph key. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.
  • {x.objectKey}-image
    Artifact

    Radio Headphones Used by Theodore Haubner While Transmitting the First "SOS" Distress Signal, August 11, 1909

    In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS. These headphones were part of his wireless equipment. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.
  • {x.objectKey}-image
    Artifact

    Radio Operator Theodore D. Haubner on the Deck of the SS Arapahoe, After Sending One of the First S.O.S. Distress Signals, 1909

    In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled. This photograph, taken some time after the event, shows Haubner on the deck of the Arapahoe.